“Designated Survivor” is a political thriller television series that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. It follows Tom Kirkman, a low-level cabinet member who unexpectedly becomes President of the United States after a catastrophic attack. As he struggles to lead the nation, he must also uncover the conspiracy behind the attack. One of the biggest questions in the series is: Who is the bad guy in “Designated Survivor”?
To answer this, we will explore the main villains of the show, their motives, and how they affect the story.
The Main Villain in Season 1: Patrick Lloyd
In the first season, the biggest villain is Patrick Lloyd. He is the leader of a secret group called the “True Believers.” This organization believes that the United States government is corrupt and needs to be destroyed. Lloyd masterminds the Capitol bombing, which kills almost everyone in the government, leaving Tom Kirkman as the only surviving leader.
Lloyd is a wealthy businessman with deep political connections. He hides in the shadows, pulling the strings of many powerful figures. His goal is to create chaos so that he and his followers can rebuild the country in their own vision. Throughout the season, Kirkman and the FBI work tirelessly to track him down.
At the end of Season 1, Lloyd goes on the run after his plan is exposed. He remains a major threat in the early part of Season 2 until his fate is finally sealed.
Other Villains in Season 1
While Patrick Lloyd is the main villain, there are other key players who help him:
- Peter MacLeish – A Congressman who was secretly involved in the attack. He was supposed to become President after Kirkman, but his plans were ruined.
- Jay Whitaker – A White House staff member who helped execute Lloyd’s plan from inside the government.
- Catalan (Nestor Lozano) – A ruthless mercenary who carries out many of the True Believers’ dirty operations.
The Villains in Season 2: Kirkman’s New Enemies
After Patrick Lloyd is eliminated, Season 2 introduces new enemies. These villains are not part of the same conspiracy but still cause major problems for President Kirkman.
Andrea Frost – A Mysterious Figure
Andrea Frost is a tech billionaire and an influential businesswoman. At first, she appears to be a supporter of Kirkman. However, her secret activities make the audience suspicious. The show creates doubt about whether she is connected to new threats against the President. In the end, it is revealed that she is not a villain, but the mystery surrounding her keeps viewers guessing.
Kendra Daynes’ Assassination Plot
Kendra Daynes, Kirkman’s White House Counsel, gets caught in a scandal involving a possible coup. The conspiracy becomes a major challenge for Kirkman as he struggles to keep control of the government.
The Villains in Season 3: Corruption and Political Intrigue
Season 3 shifts its focus to political corruption and election interference. Instead of a single mastermind like Patrick Lloyd, the threats now come from within the government.
Cornelius Moss – The Former President
Cornelius Moss was once the President of the United States. He initially supports Kirkman but later turns against him. He tries to manipulate events to take back power, making him a major political enemy.
Dr. Eli Mays – A Corrupt Scientist
In Season 3, Kirkman faces a public health crisis. Dr. Eli Mays, a scientist involved in the crisis, is found to be dishonest. His actions put many lives at risk, making him an unexpected antagonist.
The Role of Corruption in “Designated Survivor”
Unlike traditional action thrillers, “Designated Survivor” explores how corruption can be just as dangerous as terrorism. Many of the villains in the show are not foreign enemies but powerful figures within the U.S. government. This makes the story feel more realistic and relatable to audiences.
Conclusion
Throughout “Designated Survivor,” Tom Kirkman faces many dangerous enemies. In Season 1, Patrick Lloyd is the biggest threat, as he orchestrates the Capitol bombing. Later, new villains emerge, such as Cornelius Moss and other corrupt politicians. The show highlights the dangers of both terrorism and political manipulation.
While “Designated Survivor” ended after three seasons, it left a lasting impact. The show kept audiences engaged with its suspenseful storytelling and complex villains. In the end, it is not just one bad guy that makes the story exciting—it is the constant struggle for truth and justice in a world full of deception.
FAQs
1. Is Mike in Designated Survivor a bad guy?
No, Mike Ritter is not a bad guy. He is a loyal and dedicated Secret Service agent assigned to protect President Tom Kirkman. Throughout the series, he remains a steadfast ally to the president, ensuring his safety and investigating threats against him. Mike is portrayed as a trustworthy and honorable character who is committed to his duty.
2. Is Damian a bad guy in Designated Survivor?
Damian Rennett, a British MI6 agent, has a complicated role in the series. Initially introduced as an ally, his actions later raise suspicions, making it unclear where his true loyalties lie. While he does engage in some deceitful activities and works with dubious figures, he ultimately redeems himself by assisting Hannah Wells and making sacrifices for the greater good. So while he has some antagonistic traits, he is not a full-fledged villain.
3. Why did Designated Survivor end so abruptly?
Designated Survivor was canceled after three seasons due to a mix of factors, including declining viewership, creative direction challenges, and complications arising from its transition to Netflix for Season 3. While the show had a strong fanbase, the shift in production and changes in storytelling direction led to its cancellation, leaving some storylines unresolved.
4. Is Emily a traitor in Designated Survivor?
Emily Rhodes is not a traitor in the traditional sense, but there is a moment in Season 3 when her actions come into question. She unwittingly leaks sensitive information, which leads to a scandal. However, she is not intentionally working against the president. Her misstep creates conflict, but she remains loyal to Tom Kirkman throughout the series.
5. Is Sasha on Designated Survivor a man?
Sasha Booker, introduced in Season 3 as President Kirkman’s transgender sister-in-law, is a transgender woman. The character is portrayed by Jamie Clayton, a transgender actress. Sasha’s storyline highlights transgender representation and issues within the political landscape, making her an important addition to the series.
